investing in Athens County
Grantmaking
At the Athens County Foundation, we see grantmaking as more than just funding—it’s a partnership between our foundation and the community-led organizations working to create lasting impact. Through a trust-based approach, we invest in the people and initiatives driving change, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed.
We believe that those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. That’s why our grantmaking prioritizes collaboration, equity, and shared leadership, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by the voices and expertise of the community.
Funding Opportunities
ACF Flexible Grants Program
The ACF Flexible Microgrants Program provides gap-filling support for organizations serving Athens County of up to $3,000 per organization per year. These grants offer the flexibility to direct funds where they are needed most:
- bridging gaps left by other funding sources
- responding to unexpected challenges or opportunities
- covering essential expenses such as operational costs, rent, staff wellness, capacity-building, and staff salaries
- supporting initiatives that foster community engagement, promote a sense of belonging, or increase visibility for historically marginalized groups
Applications are reviewed quarterly.
ACF Fall Grant Cycle
The Athens County Foundation's annual fall grant cycle empowers local organizations to address critical needs and opportunities across the county.
This opportunity accepts a wide array of requests that align with ACF's vision, mission, values, and strategies, such as initiatives that...
- ENABLE PARTICIPATION so that everyone in the county can participate in the decisions, policies, and systems that affect their lives.
- ENGAGE CONTRIBUTORS so that resources and strengths can be invested in building the county’s strengths.
- ELEVATE LEADERS so that individuals at all levels are encouraged and equipped to work on behalf of and in partnership with the county and its communities.
- EXPAND CAPACITY so that the county’s organizations thrive in the delivery of their missions and form a more connected and productive network.
- ENRICH INITIATIVES so that impact-focused projects and programs are supported and bolstered, with a primary focus on collaborations addressing long-standing challenges.
Organizations whose work aligns with the Women’s Fund, Racial Equity Fund, Pride Fund, Trails Fund, or Jaycees Senior Fund are encouraged to apply through this opportunity.
Rocky Community Improvement Fund
The Rocky Community Improvement Fund (RCIF) supports communities where Rocky Brands employees live and work, directing funding to projects in Nelsonville, Buchtel, Haydenville, Trimble, Murray City, Glouster, Carbon Hill, and surrounding areas. Since 2013, RCIF has partnered with the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation to match charitable contributions from Rocky Brands employees.
Open to eligible organizations in Nelsonville, nearby villages, and the broader counties of Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, and Washington, RCIF prioritizes projects in this order: children’s welfare and education, hunger, school programs, senior citizens, developmental disabilities, community development and infrastructure, housing initiatives, animal welfare, community beautification, and environmental programs.
Applications are accepted twice a year in the Spring and Fall cycles.
ATCO Legacy Fund
This funding is provided by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities and administered by the Athens County Foundation. ACF’s standard eligibility requirements do not apply to this opportunity.
The RFP is open to any service provider, community group, organization, or partner working to support integration and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Athens County.
Funds may be used for any creative project that enhances quality of life and promotes inclusion and integration for people with I/DD. Examples include, but are not limited to: adapted equipment, transportation support, technology, innovative programming, and educational materials. The funding priorities are intentionally broad to encourage creativity and innovation. Preference will be given to new projects or proposals in 2025.
If you're unsure whether your charitable initiative is a fit for these opportunities, just reach out—we're happy to help.
Please contact us using the form below.
Grantmaking Process
2025 Competitive Grants Program Calendar
| Application Opens | Due Date | Decision Announcement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible Microgrants | Q3: August | Q3: September 15 | 3rd week of October |
| Q4: Closed | Q4: Closed | Q4: Closed | |
| RCIF Fall Cycle | August | September 28 | 3rd week of December |
| ACF Fall Cycle | August | September 28 | 3rd week of December |
| ATCO Legacy Fund | September 1 | September 28 | November |
Housing Security Fund
The Athens County Housing Security Fund supports housing initiatives and projects in Athens County that address both long-term, sustainable solutions and immediate gaps and opportunities.
How to access this fund:
There is no open application process at this time. If you have an idea you'd like to share, we encourage you to connect with ACF staff directly.
Racial Equity Fund
The Racial Equity Fund of the Athens County Foundation is a vehicle for supporting anti-racism and racial equity in Athens County. This fund supports anti-racist educational projects and community programs, as well as builds capacity and opportunities for People of the Global Majority in Athens County.
How to access this fund:
Apply through ACF's flexible microgrants or regular Fall Cycle.
Women's Fund
The mission of the Women’s Fund of The Athens County Foundation is to promote philanthropy among women and to establish a permanent fund that will provide funding to programs and projects in Athens County which empower women to achieve their full potential.
How to access this fund:
Apply through ACF's flexible microgrants or regular Fall Cycle.
Connect
Shayne Lopez
Program Director,
Grantmaking and Community Impact
